Moyes gave me my joy back — Grealishes throws Guardiola under the boss after impressive Everton start

Jack Grealish may have left Anfield disappointed after Everton’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, but the winger insists he has rediscovered his passion for football since swapping Manchester City for Goodison Park.

With four assists in his first five games, the 30-year-old has become a symbol of Everton’s promising start under David Moyes.

The England international has flourished since his loan move, delivering creativity and energy that had been missing from his game at City.

Against Liverpool, he not only supplied the cross that led to Idrissa Gueye’s equaliser but also threw himself in the way of an Ibrahima Konaté header to keep Everton alive in the contest.

Grealish, named Premier League Player of the Month for August, was quick to credit Moyes for his transformation. “I thank the gaffer for giving me my love back, and waking up on a match day wanting to smile and play again,” he told TNT Sports.

While Moyes has downplayed his own role, Grealish insists the Scot’s man-management has been crucial, describing his time at Everton as the happiest he’s felt in years.

Grealish’s decision to join Everton was sealed during a phone call with Moyes while on holiday, a conversation that convinced him he needed a new environment to rediscover himself.

His struggles at Manchester City, where he barely featured over the past two seasons, had left him disillusioned, but at Goodison, he has regained confidence and form.

The winger admits he wants to use this platform to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the Merseyside derby defeat, Grealish remains optimistic, stressing that Everton’s strong start, with just two losses in five games, shows the team is moving in the right direction.

For supporters, his resurgence feels like more than a personal comeback; it’s a timely reminder that both player and club can dream again.